Key says Govt cares for all NZers in Budget

Prime Minister John Key has defended the 2013 Budget, saying the Government cares for all New Zealanders.

This year's Budget includes measures to free up the availability of land for new housing in some areas, and increase the number of social housing providers.

New Zealanders will pay less in ACC levies over the coming years and Meridian Energy will be the next state-owned asset put up for partial sale.

Labour Party leader David Shearer says it's a budget for the well-heeled and well-connected and Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says there's virtually nothing in it to address poverty.

But Mr Key told Parliament it is a sensible and thoughtful budget.

"So when David Shearer says Bill English and the National Government doesn't care about the people of New Zealand, well guess what, we care enough to make sure that they don't have an additional $60 or $70 billion of debt around their neck. That's how much we care."